Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.  Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, fish, or during the season, hunt white-tailed deer.

Activities

A number of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities are available to refuge visitors year-round including hiking, bicycling, wildlife observation and photography, fishing, and hunting during specified seasons.

Wildlife watching
Hunting
Fishing
Hiking
Biking
Birding
Auto tour

Related Documents

Harris Neck NWR Trail Map
Name
Harris Neck NWR Trail Map
PDF

Other Facilities in the Complex

Harris Neck NWR is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex which is headquartered at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center located in Hardeeville, South Carolina.

Shorebirds on the beach at Wolf Island NWR
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, which also includes Egg Island and Little Egg Island, is located at the mouth of the Altamaha River on the Georgia coast. The entire refuge was designated a National Wilderness Area in 1975 and provides critical sanctuary for migrating birds and nursery habitat...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
View fron the south end of Tybee NWR looking north up the Savannah River
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge, located at the mouth of the Savannah River, is a small but important area for native and migratory songbirds and shorebirds. Due to its limited habitat, small size, and location at the mouth of the Savannah River, where ship traffic makes navigation treacherous,...
National Wildlife Refuge
Bobcat kittens
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
The Savannah River is the lifeblood of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge which provides rich habitats that support a diverse array of migratory and resident wildlife. Visitors are welcome on the 4.5 mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive and all refuge trails daily, from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
Sunrise on the shore of Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
As one of Georgia's barrier islands, Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge provides protection to the coastline and habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including summertime nesting sea turtles, and year-round shorebird activity.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
Boneyard beach at Wassaw NWR
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge serves as an important link in the chain of barrier islands that lie along the Atlantic Flyway, providing excellent habitat for a variety of migratory birds. With little development and few management practices, the 10,053-acre refuge is one of the most pristine on...
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC
View of Ibis Pond with clouds reflecting off of the water.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is an important link in the chain of wildlife refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds annually. The refuge also provides nesting habitat, called a rookery, for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets, and herons.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hardeeville,SC

Rules and Policies

There are many fun and interesting things to do and see during your visit to Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, but it is our job to ensure the habitat that our wildlife calls "home" is protected.  Below are a few guidelines to help keep both visitors and wildlife safe. 

  • The refuge is open during daylight hours only; overnight use and/or camping (including campfires) are not permitted.
  • Some areas may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife from human disturbance. Such areas are posted "Area Beyond This Sign Closed."
  • Feeding, capturing, or harassing wildlife is strictly prohibited unless authorized by permit.
  • Launching, landing, or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (drones) on the refuge is prohibited.
  • Dogs, cats, and other pets are not permitted on the refuge unless confined inside a vehicle.
  • Picking or cutting vegetation is prohibited.
  • All of the refuge's archaeological and natural resources are protected. Artifact hunting/collecting is not allowed.
  • Automobiles must remain on the wildlife drive. Hikers and bicyclers are encouraged to stay on marked trails.
  • Saltwater fishing and shellfishing are permitted in refuge tidal waters only.
  • All freshwater ponds are closed to fishing.
  • The refuge, unless otherwise posted, is open to hiking, biking, wildlife observation, interpretation, environmental education, and photography. It is also open, in certain areas and times of the year, to hunting and fishing; review refuge hunting and fishing regulations for details.

Locations

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
(843) 784-2468
5000 Wildlife DriveTownsend,GA31331-9625

Harris Neck NWR is located just seven miles off of I-95 (Exit 67-South Newport) in McIntosh County, Georgia. 

Driving Directions

From I-95, take Exit 67 (South Newport) and turn south onto U.S. Highway 17, towards Darien/Brunswick. In less than a mile, turn left onto Harris Neck Road (just past the Smallest Church in America). Continue on Harris Neck Road for approximately 7 miles to the refuge entrance on your left.

Hours
Refuge Hours
Daily
Sunrise - Sunset
Visitor Contact Station Hours
Closed until further notice
Closed until further notice